With our abdomens filled with many feet of intestines, it goes without saying that digestive health has a significant impact on our overall health. But there’s no need to be confused about how to look after the gut as there are several simple things that keep it happy.
Diet
Lots of delicious foods can make the digestive system unhappy, either by upsetting the balance of the microbiome or dehydrating you. Eating a diet high in whole foods such as vegetables and fruits provides the body with essential nutrients, fiber, and water. Foods high in refined sugar, simple carbohydrates, salt, and oil don’t offer many nutrients and little fiber, causing the gut microbiome to stop working correctly. High salt and caffeine intakes act as diuretics, pulling water out of the digestive system too early and hindering digestion.
Prebiotics
Prebiotics work to feed the beneficial bacteria found in the digestive system, supporting healthy population numbers. Encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria pushes out unbeneficial bacteria, redressing the balance within the gut. Some foods are naturally prebiotic, particularly fermented foods like kombucha and sauerkraut. Another excellent source is prebiotic powders which are easily mixed into drinks or food for easy consumption.
Work With Your Gut
If you have a gut sensitivity of any kind, like a food intolerance or IBS, it’s vital to work with it to keep your tummy and you happy. If you have IBS that doesn’t tolerate beans, avoiding these pulses will help you avoid bloating, wind, and other unpleasant side effects. Eating foods that work well with your sensitivities will keep symptoms under control and make you feel a lot happier overall. Ironically for some IBS sufferers, beans are one of the best foods they can eat!
Take Things Slow
When making significant dietary changes, it’s essential to consider making small changes one at a time. Switching from a low fiber diet to a high fiber diet suddenly will shock the gut and produce a lot of digestive distress. Gradually introducing more fiber will allow the body to adjust and cause minor discomfort. You’ll also be better able to figure out which whole foods work best for you and make your new eating habits easier to maintain.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Taking in enough water each day has several benefits, including clearer skin and reduced appetite. But one of the main benefits is maintaining gut health. Being well-hydrated stops feelings of hunger, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy food, and the intestines can digest food more efficiently. Making it doubly crucial for digestive health to stay hydrated and have water as your primary liquid source.
It doesn’t take much to stay in good digestive health if you can eat whole foods, drink plenty of water and support the gut’s microbiome.
*Should you notice any unusual changes that become persistent, it’s vital to consult your doctor so that they can check for a disease that may require further treatment.
